California: Eureka…I’ve Found It!

When you think of California, you think of beach bums and celebrities. I know that’s what I think of. But California has so much more to offer than that. No matter what you want—mountains, beach (California is home to the third longest coastline in the U.S), desert, nature’s forests, vineyards and other agricultural wonders, commerce, and theme parks—California has it all.

California even has great weather! Many people compare the weather in California to that of the Mediterranean, and who wouldn’t want to retire there? The summers are warm and dry, while the winters are mild and sometimes wet. On the coast, the weather is even better! Temperatures range between the mid-40s and upper-70s. Look at San Francisco. Summers are foggy, which the city is famous for. On the other hand, Los Angeles is always sunny and warm. Los Angeles temperatures range between the 60s-80s year round, with little humidity or rain.

What can you do in San Francisco? Almost anything. Find something to do to fit every part of your persona. There are art exhibits year round in San Francisco from Georgia O’Keefe to entire art genres. Pick and choose what you want to see. Catch a film at the many film festivals the city hosts. Or take a short drive outside of the city to go to a winery. The Francis Ford Copolla Winery is a great choice for a day of relaxation. If history is your thing, take a short ride, and you can visit Alcatraz. Get around town using a cable car; it’s a fun and easy to travel through the city.

If you’re more outdoorsy, you can paddle across the San Francisco Bay, or cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge. Spend a day with the Giants or the 49ers and become a fan of San Francisco. Try the links—play a round of golf. Go hiking. Hang out at Crissy Field, and walk among the flowers. Make sure you enjoy San Fran for what it has to offer, even if it’s just people watching in Union Square.

Discover Los Angeles. LA has many sights to see like Venice Beach, Santa Monica, Disneyland, and the Hollywood Sign. You can even go to a concert at the Walt Disney Concert Hall where you can catch some local improv, or learn how to put on a puppet theater. Go shopping on Rodeo Drive in Beverley Hills—just don’t spend all your money in one place. Or if you’re a bargain shopper, LA has several outlets for your shopping pleasure. There are also several museums and exhibits to explore in the area too.

Much like San Francisco, there is a variety of activities to do involving the outdoors. Spend a day in the sunshine relaxing at the beach. Golfing, baseball, and football are also very popular in LA. You’re in for a real treat, no matter what you decide.

California’s state motto is: “Eureka…I have found it!” And the state will help you find what you are looking for. Find your inspirations, dreams, romance in all that California has to offer you. Yes, it has a very laidback atmosphere, but it’s a place for anyone who wants to live life to its fullest potential. If you decide to go to California, the first question you must ask yourself is: “Where do I start?”